Grand Rapids native and undefeated lightweight star Joshua “JJ” Pagan will defend his NABO Lightweight Title in his hometown on Jan. 22 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.
Returning as the newly crowned NABO Lightweight Champion, Pagan (14-0, 5 KOs) will defend his title against Nicaragua’s Bryan Jimenez (18-2, 10 KOs).
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The card will also feature a WBC Super Featherweight World Championship rematch, as No. 1-ranked Delfine Persoon (50-3, 20 KOs) faces No. 2-ranked Caroline Veyre (10-1) for the vacant title in a high-stakes bout to kick off the 2026 boxing calendar.
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions, and will stream on the global home of boxing, DAZN. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster‘s website. Additional event details will be released in the coming weeks.
The Jan. 22 event marks Salita Promotions’ third consecutive boxing card in Michigan, continuing the promotion’s ongoing efforts to reestablish the state as a destination for high-level professional boxing.
Under the leadership and vision of Dmitriy Salita, Salita Promotions in partnership with DAZN has steadily brought boxing events back to Michigan, pairing local talent with meaningful championship opportunities and drawing renewed attention to the region’s boxing infrastructure.
The Grand Rapids card builds on that momentum, reinforcing Michigan’s growing presence on the national boxing calendar.
The bout marks Pagan’s first fight since his breakthrough victory on October 23 in Puerto Rico, where he delivered a career-defining performance against Maliek Montgomery to capture the NABO Lightweight Championship.
The win instantly elevated Pagan from an undefeated prospect to a legitimate force in the lightweight division and now he brings that momentum home.
“JJ’s victory in Puerto Rico wasn’t just impressive, it was a line in the sand for the lightweight division,” said promoter and President of Salita Promotions, Dmitriy Salita. “He showed championship poise, discipline, and the ability to dominate under pressure. Defending his NABO title at home against a tough, experienced fighter like Jimenez is the perfect next step. Grand Rapids is about to witness a star rising in real time.”
The Grand Rapids native currently ranked No. 12 by the WBO, known for his sharp timing, disciplined footwork and ability to dictate pace, showed controlled execution throughout his last bout against hard-hitting Maliek Montgomery.
Pagan limited Montgomery’s forward pressure, maintained accuracy in exchanges and closed the late rounds with measured composure.
The win marked the 14th of his career and his fifth by knockout, reinforcing his progression through longer championship-distance bouts and elevating him within the NABO rankings ahead of his first hometown appearance.
“This is all learning experience as I continue to ascend in my career, ” said Pagan. “That last fight was the biggest win of my career, but I’m still hungry. There’s still more work to do. I’ve got to keep this belt and set up the bigger fights that are coming which will be January 22.”
“It means a lot to me to be fighting at home for the first time in four years, I haven’t done that since the amateurs. Expect a great show. Expect a great performance. And to the division: be ready. Anyone in the top ten can get it. I’m with all the smoke.”
Jimenez is coming into the fight fresh off a victory over Israel Lopez by unanimous decision.
Earlier in his career, Jimenez compiled a series of victories, including a unanimous decision win over Franco Gutierrez and a TKO against Manuel Azofeifa, demonstrating power and versatility across multiple weight classes.
Jimenez’s experience in extended bouts and willingness to mix it up make him a credible test for any rising contender.
Following an order from the World Boxing Council, the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship between #1-ranked Delfine Persoon and No. 2-ranked Caroline Veyre will take place as the co-main event of the evening.
The bout promoted by Salita Promotions, will be contested for the vacant WBC World Championship previously held by Alycia Baumgardner.